Red dot or Scope on Ruger Super Redhawk .44mag

I have a Bushnell Elite 3200 2-6 power scope and an Ultra dot Match dot II red dot and I'm trying to figure out which one would be best for white tail deer? I've shot the scope on it but, only at 25 yards off shooting bag and table. I figure, any shots I get would be 25-60 yards maybe, a little over but not much. Also, I have some 240 grn. XTP bullets and also some 180 grain XTPs. any avice would be welcomed.

 

Scope for hunting. RDS are not accurate enough for any deer hunting beyond 25 yards imho.

 

Thanks!

 

Cheap ones probably aren't.
I have an Ultradot Matchdot on my Super Redhawk and have taken several deer at over 150 yards.

 

My inability to maintain a steady hold distracts me when using a RDS especially at distances beyond 25yds. I'd run a scope for sure.

 

The Bushnell Elite is a very good scope, actually the old Bausch & Lomb line of optics. However, with a revolver and its typical range, a big variable is a lot of wasted magnification and unnecessary weight/bulk. Anything over 4x is going to be useless at 50yds due to parallax and you'd have to have a very solid rest to use it in the field. I always recommend a fixed 2x or a red dot for revolvers. The scope is always going to have a steeper learning curve, red dots are easier. The advantage to the scope is the same as everything else. They are better in low light and will extend your range as well as shooting light. Either is better than iron sights when the light begins to fade. The Match Dot is particularly good with its switchable dot down to 2MOA. The standard Ultradot also has a 2MOA version and that is my preference. A red dot extends your range, it does not limit it.

 

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/ruger-super-redhawk-need-a-scope.903135/

 

This is a Blackhawk in 44 mag, but decided to go with the Ultra Dot. Lot of fun shooting with it.

 

I tried one on mine like 20 years ago, didn't like it. Plus I wanted to conceal carry my super redhawk in the winter.

 

Ultra Dot on mine, and downed a very nice 11 pointer at 123 stepped off yards, with my 200 grain SWC lead and 2400. It helped that the deer got in a side lineup for me, and stopped. My first with the Super Redhawk, but I have gotten two with the 30/30 Magnum Research, with a Leopold scope on that one. I can find my target better in the heat of the moment, with the red dot, but like the scope for just shooting paper. Make sure to practice leading them with a pistol, as my first one was moving and I broke the back leg with the first shot, as I didn't practice keeping my sight moving as I shot. hope you find what is right for you.

 

I honestly think you would like a fixed 2 x Lupold more than either of two your asking about I do have a 2x6 Bushnell on a Encore pistol only time it was off 2x was when I was working up a load for it . Shooting off a Bench

 

It’s too late in the season to execute the idea. But I would sight in the scope and do a couple pushups to get some blood pumping. Then shoot three rounds at 25 yards and three rounds at fifty. Then repeat for the red dot. Whichever one gets the best result gets the chicken dinner. Also factor in your local laws. Some states do not allow powered optics on white tails. The size of the dot on a red dot seems to be a limiting factor. If you can’t get a good sight picture with an elevated blood pressure it’s not a good idea to use it on game. I did this and it kept me using irons for longer. Mine was irons vs scopes and I was much younger.

 

What is the dot size? That is the limiting factor. My Leupold has a 1 moa dot iirc and its freaking huge for 100yds and a precision shot. Not saying i couldnt hit the deer, but i like a little more precision than that dot offers. I wouldnt consider 300 bucks cheap but i wouldnt consider it top of the line either.

I also dont consider myself an excellent shot. Your skills must certainly be better than mine.

 

2,4,6 or 8 MOA and variable brightness.
I always have it on 2 MOA and just bright enough to see.

Are you sure it is only 1MOA? That would only cover 1.047 inches at 100 yards.

And yes, it takes a lot of practice at extended range.

 

Practice is your friend, when getting use to red dots, for me anyways. My secret is to keep the dot as small as you can, for me, and also really like the UltraDot. Much more than the Burris Fastfire II, that I have on one of my 1911 1A.

 

Yup 1 MOA. But on max bright it looks about 4-6 MOA. I turned it down to 3 of 7 brightness levels and its much better. I have yet to put this one in the field so we will see how it does at 100 yards!